New Year's at Disney parks goes high-tech

Fog fills up Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland on New Years last year. COURTESY OF ANDY CASTRO OF THE MICECHAT.BLOG AND OC DISNEY FLICKR GROUP

ANAHEIM – There's no need to turn on glow sticks and light-up toys on New Year's Eve at Disney parks – at least not if you have special Mickey Mouse ears.

The new interactive ears will light up on their own at midnight, as part of the Disneyland Resort's holiday celebration, in four spots: the mall near It's a Small World and near Rivers of America in Disneyland, as well as at the Mad T Party and the "World of Color" light and water show in Disney California Adventure.

Since the summer, guests have used the ears, which get high-tech signals telling the hats to turn colors or blink during certain shows and areas of the parks. The ears, which cost $25, have had sporadic usage, sometimes with just a few people in a crowd.

For New Year's Eve, California Adventure is increasing its entertainment during the theme park's first winter since a $1 billion expansion opened. Cars Land, a new 12-acre area, will have a country band. Near the entrance, Carthay Circle will host a swing band.

The special Fantasy in the Sky fireworks show, created for New Year's Eve, will appear at Disneyland at midnight. Fireworks also will go off over the Mad T Party and "World of Color" at Disney California Adventure.

Disneyland will be open from 8 a.m. New Year's Eve to 2 a.m. New Year's Day; California Adventure's hours will be 8 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Fog fills up Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland on New Years last year. COURTESY OF ANDY CASTRO OF THE MICECHAT.BLOG AND OC DISNEY FLICKR GROUP
Disneyland visitors camp out at 3 p.m. Dec. 31, 2009 in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle to get prime spots to celebrate the New Year. COURTESY OF KATHY LEE OF ANAHEIM, WHO GOES BY VKNRM ON FLICKR, OC DISNEY FLICKR GROUP
Sleeping Beauty Castle can be seen behind the Partners statue at Disneyland on New Years last year. COURTESY OF ANDY CASTRO OF THE MICECHAT.BLOG AND OC DISNEY FLICKR GROUP

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